8 Ways To Get Your Home Holiday Party-Ready

Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a lively soirée, here are your top picks for throwing a memorable party this season.

Rich jewel tones and a few luxe accents can feel just as festive as a trad red and green scheme.

Combine different metallic tones for a pretty, sparkly moment on a countertop, side table or coffee table.

When it comes to gift wrap, that is. Skip paper adorned with predictable patterns in favor of more sophisticated options, like this cartographical example. Grosgrain ribbon and a sweet green topper add festive flair.

An arrangement of sprigs and boughs, like the sweet duo of vases on this sideboard, is the ultimate in seasonal charm, plus it’s easy to execute and inexpensive to create.

At this holiday buffet, a mix of ceramic and wooden serveware gives a low-key, collected feel. Patterned napkins and mix-and-match glasses feel playful and relaxed. Serving breadsticks in a pretty tumbler is a whimsical touch, as is garnishing a bowl of dip with a few upright chives.

Hang strings of white lights along ledges, over doorways, or use them to fill a glass bowl for a simple, unexpected centerpiece.

Simple ceramic stools can do double duty, adding more seating or serving as a spot for guests to put down a plate or wineglass. On existing tables, leave surfaces clear at the edges to create a temporary ledge for drinks or hors d’oeuvres.

Instead of an evergreen wreath, look for a decorative version that complements your palette. Even better — you won’t have to worry about dried-out needles, and you can reuse it year after year.